While it seems that members and supporters of the Association of Inter-Church Families (AIF) have not recently had a chance to meet and discuss AIF matters, nevertheless ongoing contact between members of a "Telephone Committee, and Marriage Preparation Courses Couples" has ensured that inquiries or problems have been dealt with "in a normal way".
However, some members of AIF would like an opportunity of meeting for an exchange of ideas, experiences, and discussion of most recent developments.
An informal gathering will therefore be held in All Hallows, Drumcondra, on September 15th, beginning at noon with tea and sandwiches. Discussion will end at 4 p.m.
Topics to be discussed include: "The relevance and the necessity of Inter-Church Families"; "Funding and the possibility of an office and a part-time secretary"; "Embrace - Marriage Preparation Courses"; "What's happening on the ground - apathy, difficulties, acceptance, and any other matters of relevance".
Members unable to be present are encouraged to convey their knowledge of personal interchurch experiences or situations to: Ashwood House, Ratoath, Co Meath.
The Irish Mission, a mission of the Presbyterian Church, has since the late 19th century continued an evangelical ministry through Superintendent and colporteurs working in various parts of the country usually in association with the local clergy.
The mission also offers an informed range of videos with a Christian emphasis suitable for use in schools with youth groups, adult Bible study groups and in miscellaneous outreach activity.
When for use by families, church groups and meetings the cost of hirings is nominal. The videos are lent free of charge to schools and colleges.
Among the considerable stock of videos are: Evangelism - a training programme; The Chal- lenge of the unchurched; Serious Prayer; and a number of others. A catalogue and fuller information may be gained from the Irish Mission Office, Church House, Fisherwick Place, Belfast.
Many have come to look forward annually to the Irish Mission Christmas Calendar. Already the calendar for 2002 is on sale. It may be bought from the Irish Mission Office (address as above), or from various evangelical bookshops at a cost of £1.75 stg with 30p for postage and packing.
What promises to be the highlight of the guided tours organised from time to time by the Presbyterian Historical Society will be the visit to Friars Bush Graveyard at Stranmillis, next Saturday.
Friars Bush is believed by some to be Belfast's oldest Christian site. A tradition of a link with St Patrick is abroad and there is also evidence of a medieval friary there.
More recently, the graveyard has been the final resting place of many prominent citizens of Belfast whose renown is in the mists of antiquity.
But Dr Eamon Phoenix, senior lecturer in history at Stranmillis University College, who will lead the tour, is sure to comment knowledgeably on many of them. The tour will begin from the Stranmillis Road entrance (beside the Ulster Museum) at 10.30 a.m.